What Does Fungal Acne Look Like Compared to Regular Acne?

Fungal acne appears as uniform, small bumps clustered together, unlike regular acne's varied sizes and random distribution. Fungal acne typically presents as tiny, itchy papules that are 1-2mm in diameter and often appear on the chest, back, and shoulders. These bumps lack the blackheads, whiteheads, or cysts characteristic of bacterial acne. Regular acne shows mixed lesion types - from small comedones to large, inflamed cysts - scattered across the face in different sizes. Fungal acne bumps are remarkably similar in size and shape, creating a uniform appearance. The itching sensation is another key differentiator, as bacterial acne rarely causes significant itching. Consulting a dermatologist can provide definitive diagnosis through examination or skin testing.